Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet
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Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi delivers a restaurant‑quality comfort dish in under thirty minutes. Juicy chicken breasts mingle with pillowy gnocchi, all bathed in a rich parmesan‑cream sauce brightened by garlic and parsley. The one‑pan method keeps cleanup minimal while maximizing flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1‑inch cubes
- 12 oz potato gnocchi (store‑bought)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then melt 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium‑high heat.
- Add chicken and sauté 5‑6 minutes, turning until golden and cooked through; remove to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium, add remaining butter and minced garlic, cooking 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook 2‑3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Toss gnocchi into the sauce, cooking 4‑5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi float and are tender.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coat with sauce, and heat 2 minutes until everything is hot.
- Finish with chopped parsley, adjust salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a better sear.
- Do not overcook gnocchi; they are done when they float to the surface.
- Use low‑heat when adding Parmesan to prevent grainy texture.
- If sauce thickens too much, thin with a splash of chicken broth or milk.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields a smoother sauce than pre‑grated.
Storage
Cool the leftovers to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore silkiness. Freeze is not recommended as the gnocchi may become mushy.
Notes
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling. Finish with fresh parsley for brightness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, add frozen gnocchi directly to the simmering sauce; increase cooking time by 2‑3 minutes until they float and are heated through.
What cheese can substitute Parmesan?
Aged Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano work well, offering a similarly sharp, nutty flavor.
How do I make this dish gluten‑free?
Swap regular gnocchi for a gluten‑free potato gnocchi and ensure the Parmesan is certified gluten‑free.
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet
Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a velvety parmesan cream sauce in one comforting skillet.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1‑inch cubes
- 12 oz potato gnocchi (store‑bought)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then melt 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium‑high heat.
- Add chicken and sauté 5‑6 minutes, turning until golden and cooked through; remove to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium, add remaining butter and minced garlic, cooking 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook 2‑3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Toss gnocchi into the sauce, cooking 4‑5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi float and are tender.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coat with sauce, and heat 2 minutes until everything is hot.
- Finish with chopped parsley, adjust salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a better sear.
- Do not overcook gnocchi; they are done when they float to the surface.
- Use low‑heat when adding Parmesan to prevent grainy texture.
- If sauce thickens too much, thin with a splash of chicken broth or milk.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields a smoother sauce than pre‑grated.
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